In the United States, German Americans hold on to the traditions of Carnival. The most famous one is known as Mardi Gras, which is held in New Orleans, Louisiana. This version starts on Fat Tuesday. This celebration has a lot to do with the French influence in Louisiana. (As you know, Carnival is mostly associated with Catholicism and the religious holidays between Christmas and Lent.)

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is probably one of the biggest parties in the U.S. The small town is packed with locals and tourists—as many as one and a half million people, all wanting to take part in the festivities. It is described as a party you will never forget. We don’t hide the crazy. We parade it down the street—a famous quote about Mardi Gras.

There are more than 70 parades during the Mardi Gras season with fabulous floats and costumes.  They usually begin about two weeks prior to Fat Tuesday and include tossing of trinkets into the crowds. Candies, plastic cups, toys, special coins and of course, the famous colored beaded necklaces.  Most of these parades are on Fat Tuesday though, with lots of drinking, socializing, dancing and mostly just having fun!